Department of the premier and cabinet section: Protocol Branch number: subject: Public Service Medal authorised: Purpose

1. Purpose1.1 This policy articulates the responsibilities of Protocol Queensland in coordinating Queensland nominations for the Public Service Medal, and providing secretarial and administrative support to the Public Service Medal Selection Committee.
2. Scope2.1 The Public Service Medal may be awarded to a person for outstanding public service in the Commonwealth, State or Local Government.
2.2 This policy applies to all Queensland State and Local Government nominations for the Public Service Medal.
3. References and Authority3.1 Letters Patent and Regulations Governing the Award of the Public Service Medal (Refer to Attachment A)
4. Definitions4.1 The Public Service Medal was established on 18 October, 1989 to recognise outstanding public service by officers of Australian public services, and other government and official employees.
4.2 The Regulations Governing the Award of the Public Service Medal provide definitions for entitlement to this award and the conditions under which the award will be made.

5. Responsibilities5.1 The Department of the Premier and Cabinet coordinates Queensland State and Local Government nominations for the Public Service Medal. The Honourable the Premier recommends nominations for this award to the Governor-General.
5.2 The composition of the Public Service Medal Selection Committee is decided by the Director-General.

The Public Service Medal Selection Committee is responsible for considering nominations for the Public Service Medal, and making recommendations to the Premier which comply with the Regulations Governing the Award of the Public Service Medal.

5.4 The Regulations Governing the Award of the Public Service Medal state that Queensland may award up to eleven Public Service Medals during a calendar year.

5.5 The Public Service Medal is awarded on two occasions each year, namely on Australia Day and the Queen's Birthday. The Public Service Medal Selection Committee meets twice each year to consider nominees for the Public Service Medal.
5.6 Local Government employees are eligible for two Public Service Medals per year.
5.7 Protocol Queensland is responsible for providing administrative support to the Public Service Medal Selection Committee; and an officer from Protocol Queensland will act in the capacity of Secretary to the Public Service Medal Selection Committee.
6. Actions6.1 The Secretary of the Public Service Medal Selection Committee:
6.1.1 Calls for nominations for the Public Service Medal;
6.1.2 Collates nominations and distributes copies to the members of the Public Service Medal Selection Committee in advance of the meeting held to consider nominations;
6.1.3 Arranges the meetings of the Public Service Medal Committee and notifies Committee members;
6.1.4 Attends the meetings of the Public Service Medal Selection Committe and notes Committee directions;
6.1.5 Prepares Public Service Medal nominations for forwarding to the Honours Secretariat, Government House, Canberra; and
6.1.6 Prepares accompanying correspondence for the signature of the Premier.
6.2 Nominations for the Public Service Medal must be received by the Honours Secretariat prior to 1 September and 1 March each year.
6.3 Enquiries in relation to the Public Service Medal can be directed to:
· Protocol Queensland